Business, international

Media group wins two court battles

Article Abstract:

Holland Media Group (HMG) won two court battles against the Dutch Media Commission and one of Netherlands' biggest cable operators, A2000, that could have threatened its broadcasts. The media group is responsible for Dutch commercial channels RTL4, RTL5 and Veronica and has long been involved in legal battles with A2000 and the Dutch media watchdog. The first dispute involves the threat by A2000 that it will black out HMG's channels for failing to pay transmission fees worth $1.6 million. Meanwhile, the court rejected the Media Commission's order that would have forced the repeal of RTL4 and RTL5 Dutch licenses.

Nilesat to end TV monopoly?

Article Abstract:

Nilesat's closely-guarded monopoly over TV in Egypt may loosen with the new $158-million satellite that could allow private broadcasters to operate from the country. The government, which currently controls the eight terrestrial and two satellite channels in the country, could boost Nilesat's revenues by letting private stations operate. Nilesat also raised the issue of a price war for transponder rental space. Egyptian Satellite Company, the government agency backing Nilesat, said it has lured broadcasters from some countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Libya and Bahrain.

Prima wants primetime

Article Abstract:

Prima intends to become the number one television station among four stations in Romania and capture the 15 to 49 year old audience group. The station seeks to takeover the place of PRO TV, which deems control majority of televiewers in the country. As part of the objective, Prima introduced a new programming schedule and plans to produceits own game shows, which attracts many viewers. Prima also hopes to close a deal with SBS, partly owned by Disney, to raise its leverage in the industry.